Barnet 1 Carlisle United 2

Last updated : 25 February 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Carlisle United consolidated their position at the top of League Two following a hard fought 2-1 victory against Barnet at Underhill on Saturday afternoon.

Barnet started the game really brightly, taking the match to their high-flying visitors.

Andy Hessenthaler almost gave them the lead midway through the first half with a close range volley following a scramble in the box. His goal bound effort cannoned into the back of team-mate Jason Norville before rebounding to safety.

Norville was again at the centre of the action on 27 minutes. He burst through the middle before spotting Ben Strevens unmarked to his left.

The former Watford man waited too long before releasing an over-hit pass. The left winger could do no more than stretch to prevent the ball going out for a goal kick, when a little more composure from Norville would have put Strevens clean through on goal.

The game finally came to life seven minutes after the re-start with two goals in quick succession. First, a deep free kick for the Bees was pumped into the area and Derek Holmes, under pressure from Anthony Charles, could only head an attempted clearance over Keiren Westwood and into his own net.

From the re-start Holmes redeemed himself immediately. The big number nine played a long ball through to Michael Bridges, who ran clear of the Barnet defence before tucking the ball under the previously redundant Matt Reed, to claim an equaliser completely against the run of play.

The goal brought the Blues a renewed sense of confidence and they took the lead on 75 minutes. Substitute Simon Hackney ran on to a clever pass from Bridges before steadying himself and firing low and hard across Reed, into the bottom corner.

Barnet can consider themselves unlucky to lose again in a game that they deserved more from, but Paul Fairclough's side will have to start winning their home games if they are to avoid a swift return to the conference.